One hand pull collapsible stroller

ABSTRACT

A collapsible stroller including a lockable hinge and a seat assembly pivotally mounted on the stroller frame. With the use of seat strap attached to the seat assembly, the stroller can be collapsed using one hand. Pulling on the seat strap pivots the seat assembly to a position in which engagement surfaces on the seat assembly engage with the hinge latch of the lockable hinge. Engaging the hinge latch with the seat assembly unlocks the lockable hinge allowing the stroller to collapse.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplications No. 60/301,253 entitled “One Hand Pull Stroller”, filedJun. 28, 2001, and No. 60/298,082 entitled “One Hand Pull Stroller”,filed Jun. 15, 2001, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a collapsible stroller, and moreparticularly to a stroller capable of collapsing via a single hand pull,wherein the collapsed stroller maintains an extremely compact size andis capable of remaining in a standing position.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0005] Infant strollers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.Although there are many to chose from, in general, full featurestrollers are bulky and cumbersome. In today's market virtually everystroller is capable of collapsing for storage or transport. Yet, evenwhen collapsed, strollers remain bulky and cumbersome, making themdifficult to manipulate.

[0006] A large bulky stroller increases the difficulties associated withthe use and manipulation of the stroller. Often, in an effort to remainout of others' way, attempts are made to collapse the stroller and placeit out of the way or even store it before attempting to place a child ina vehicle. Collapsing a stroller without setting the child or otheritems down can be very difficult. Furthermore, if not used with theutmost care, the hinge mechanisms on many strollers can pinch the useror even the child.

[0007] Transporting a stroller appears to be a simple proposition;however, this too can be a difficult experience. Full-feature strollersinclude many additional attachments, such as a child's tray, thatprotrude even when collapsed. Strollers are generally placed in thetrunk of a car or the storage area of a mini-van or SUV for transport.Even for large capacity vehicles a stroller can use significant storagespace leaving very little room for other items or child paraphernalia.

[0008] In addition, full feature strollers carry significant price tags.Costs are escalated due to design and development expenditures, themachining process necessary to obtain the necessary high tolerances forthe proper operation of the various mechanisms, as well as the types ofmaterials that are needed to ensure that these multi-function strollerscan endure the riggers of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an improvedstructure for a collapsible stroller providing a one-hand pull foldingmechanism.

[0010] In one embodiment the collapsible stroller of the presentinvention comprises a frame assembly, at least one lockable hinge, and aseat assembly. The lockable hinge is interconnected with the strollerframe and capable of a locked and an unlocked position. In the lockedposition the lockable hinge maintains the stroller frame assembly in afixed position. In the unlocked position the lockable hinge allows theframe assembly to move between the fixed position and a collapsedposition. The seat assembly is pivotally connected to the frame assemblyand capable of engaging and unlocking the lockable hinge.

[0011] In another embodiment, the collapsible stroller comprises astroller frame, and at least one lockable hinge. The lockable hinge isinterconnected with the stroller frame. When the lockable hinge islocked, it remains in a fixed position. When the lockable hinge isunlocked, it moves about its pivot axis. The lockable hinge includes amulti-part outer shell, a hinge lock disposed within the outer shell forselectively locking the outer shell in a fixed position, and an actuatordisposed within the outer shell and interconnected with the hinge lock.Rotation of the actuator moves the hinge lock between locked andunlocked positions.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the present invention a lockable hingecapable of pivotal movement about a pivot axis when in an unlockedposition, and remaining fixed when in a locked position comprises amulti-part outer shell, a hinge lock disposed within the outer shell forselectively locking the outer shell in a fixed position, and an actuatordisposed within the outer shell. The actuator is interconnected with thehinge lock. Rotation of the actuator moves the hinge lock between lockedand unlocked positions.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention a method forcollapsing a stroller having a lockable hinge, a seat assembly pivotallymounted on the stroller frame, and a pull strap attached to a seat latchassembly comprises the steps of pulling on the pull strap to unlock theseat latch assembly, pivoting the seat assembly to a raised positionwith the pull strap, engaging the lockable hinge with the raised seatassembly, unlocking the lockable hinge with the raised seat assembly,and allowing the stroller to fold to a collapsed position.

[0014] The present invention provides for a highly functional, durable,and easy to use stroller that is economically advantageous. The presentinvention also provides a stroller that is easy to manufacture andassemble.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide afurther understanding of the invention and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of theinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

[0016]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a one-hand pull stroller inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a lockable hinge used to pivotallyconnect an upper frame member to a lower frame member;

[0018]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the lockable hinge;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view showing the inner surface of alockable hinge shell;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hinge lock of the lockablehinge;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an actuator of the lockable hinge;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a view of the hinge lock interconnected with theactuator;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a seat frame assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the seat latch assembly according toan embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the frame latch of the seatlatch assembly;

[0026]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the rotating seat latch of theseat latch assembly;

[0027]FIG. 12 is a planar view of the seat latch assembly;

[0028]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the seatand seat frame assembly; and

[0029]FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view showing the engagement surface ofthe seat assembly engaging with the hinge latch of the lockable hinge inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments ofthe present invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

[0031]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a one-hand pull stroller 10 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, thestroller assembly 10 includes a frame assembly 700, lockable hinges 100,a child's tray 300 that collapses with the stroller, a seat assembly800, a seat latch assembly 200, multi-part wheel construction of thefront wheel assemblies 600A and the rear wheel assemblies 600B,including swivel locks 400 on the front wheel assemblies 600A, andbraking components on the rear wheel assemblies 600B, a split boardbasket base (not shown), and a canopy frame with canopy hinges 500 forlocking the canopy in an open or closed position and which may beremoved when the canopy is not in use.

[0032] The frame assembly 700 of the stroller 10 includes an adjustablehandle bar 710, upper frame members 720, lower frame members 740, rearframe members 760, and a basket frame 770. A lockable hinge 100 is usedto connect an upper frame member 720 to a lower frame member 740. Whenthe lockable hinge is in a locked state, the upper and lower framemembers 720 and 740, as well as the entire frame assembly 700, remain ina substantially fixed position. When the lockable hinge 100 is in anunlocked state, the various parts of the frame assembly 700 arepermitted to move relative to one another. Specifically, the upper andlower frame members 720 and 740 are permitted to rotate about therotation axis of the lockable hinge 100 allowing the stroller 10 to foldinto a collapsed position.

[0033] In one embodiment, when the stroller is moved into a collapsedposition a kickstand 780 extends from the frame assembly 700 allowingthe stroller to stand on end in its collapsed position. A furtherembodiment provides a frame lock to secure the stroller in the collapsedposition.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the stroller 10 is shownwith a child's tray 300. In this embodiment the child's tray 300 isattached to the lockable hinge 100 and the end of the basket frame 770with a tray support (not shown). As the lockable hinge 100 is unlockedand the stroller collapses, the child's tray 300 also folds flatsystematically with the stroller 10. It can be appreciated that variousembodiments of the child's tray could be adjusted or modified asnecessary and may vary from that shown.

[0035]FIG. 1 also shows the lower frame members 740 connected with thefront wheel assemblies 600A. The front wheel assemblies are ofmulti-part construction and include wheel swivel locks 400 capable ofselectively locking the wheel assemblies in a forward facing position.The forward facing position of the wheel assemblies provides a preferredplacement of the wheels when folding the stroller and enables thestroller to collapse into a more compact position. It can be appreciatedthat the swivel locks 400 may be configured to selectively lock thefront wheel assembly 600A in any possible position.

[0036] Rear frame members 760 pivotally connect to the upper framemember 720 and rear wheel assemblies 600B. The rear wheel assemblies600B are of multi-part construction and include braking assemblies forlocking the rear wheel assemblies to prevent movement of the stroller10.

[0037] The multi-part construction of the wheel assemblies 600A and Ballows for specific parts to be constructed of function specificmaterials. For example, parts needing increased durability may be madefrom more durable materials. Additionally, barring parts may also bemade from self-lubricating materials. The multi-part constructionreduces cost of the construction by allowing only specific parts to bemade from more appropriate, and most likely more expensive materials.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a split-boardbasket base (not shown) may be incorporated in a basket attached to thebasket frame 770. A split-board split down the median of the boardallows the basket board to fold when the stroller 10 is collapsed.Folding the basket board along the median line of the stroller providesadditional efficiency in collapsing the stroller 10 by reducing theresistance of the basket board.

[0039] A canopy frame with canopy hinges 500 adds an additionalconvenience to the stroller 10. The canopy hinges 500 secure the canopyframe in an open or closed position.

[0040]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lockable hinge 100. As shown,the lockable hinge 100 includes a multiple part outer shell and arelease latch 160 located on the medial side of the hinge 100. The outershell includes a lateral shell section 110, a center shell section 120,and a medial shell section 130. The lateral shell 110 and medial shell130 also form the lower tube attachment 124 for connection of thelockable hinge to the lower frame member 740 leading to the front wheelassembly 600A. Whereas, the center shell 120 includes an upper tubeattachment 122 for connection of the lockable hinge to the upper framemember 720 leading to the handle bar 710. It should be appreciated thatthe number of shell sections forming the outer shell could be modifiedor adjusted as needed and may vary from that shown. The hinge latch 160is in pivotal contact with the medial shell 130. The hinge latch 160pivots about the pivot axis of the lockable hinge and provides externalcontrol of an internal locking assembly.

[0041] FIGS. 3-7 provide various views of the internal structure of thehinge shells 110, 120, and 130 and lock assembly 180 of the lockablehinge 100. Turning specifically to FIG. 3, an exploded view of thelockable hinge 100 shows the hinge latch 160, the medial shell 130, thelock assembly 180, the center shell 120, and the lateral shell 110. Thecomponents of the lockable hinge 100 are moveably connected with an axel(not shown) at the pivot axis 190 of the lockable hinge 100, as well asby the fastening together of the lateral and medial shells 110 and 130.

[0042] The lock assembly 180 includes a torsion spring 170, a hinge lock150, and an actuator 140. The outer shell of the lockable hinge 100fully encases the lock assembly 180 providing a “pinch free” hinge. Whenthe lock assembly 180 is in a locked position, the frame assembly 700 ofthe stroller 10 remains in a fixed position. As discussed earlier, thehinge latch 160 can be used to disengage the lock assembly 180 to allowthe various parts of the frame assembly 700 to move relative to oneanother permitting the stroller 10 to collapse.

[0043]FIG. 4 shows the inner surface of medial shell 130 and centershell 120. The medial shell 130, as well as the lateral shell 110include a pivot opening 136, rails 132A-D, and lock recesses 138A-D. Therails 132A-D extend radially from the pivot opening 136 to the center ofthe lock recesses 138A-D. A spring retention hole 134 is located nearthe pivot opening 136 of the medial shell 110 providing a location toaffix one end of the torsion spring 170.

[0044] The inner wall of the center shell 120 also includes lockrecesses 126A-D. When the lockable hinge 100 is in a locked position,the center shell lock recesses 126A-D align with the medial and lateralshell lock recesses 138A-D.

[0045] Turning to FIG. 5, the hinge lock 150 includes multiple toothpairs 152A-D, grooves 154A-D and 156A-D, and bosses 158A-D. The toothpairs are flexibly interconnected for stability and ease of assembly.The tooth pairs 152A-D are capable of radial movement relative to thepivot axis 190 of the lockable hinge. Grooves are located on the medialside 154A-D and lateral side 156A-D of each tooth pair. The tooth pairgrooves 154A-D and 156A-D ride on the rails 132A-D of the lateral andmedial shells 110 and 130, providing controlled radial movement as thehinge lock 150 expands and contracts.

[0046] Bosses 158A-D, or posts, are also located on each tooth pair152A-D. The bosses 158A-D provide contact points for engagement with theactuator 140. It should be appreciated that the number teeth and toothedcombinations, grooves, and bosses can be modified or altered asnecessary and may vary from that shown.

[0047]FIG. 6 shows the actuator 140 of the lockable hinge 100. Theactuator 140 includes radial slots 142A-D, a hinge latch engagementsurface 144, and a torsion spring opening 146. The radial slots 142A-Dprovide for interconnection with the bosses 158A-D of the hinge lock150. The latch engagement surface 144 includes a multi-toothed surfacefor interconnecting with the hinge latch 160 in a manner that allows themovement of the hinge latch 160 to be translated to the actuator 140.

[0048] The torsion spring 170 is connected between the actuator 140 andthe medial hinge shell 110. The torsion spring 170 biases the actuator140 to a locked position, and thus, the tooth pairs 152A-D are alwaysbiased toward a locked position. This biasing allows the tooth pairs152A-D to snap into place when the stroller is expanded for use. Theoutward biasing also provides for an extremely secure connection whenthe hinge 100 is locked. In a locked position, the tooth pairs 152A-Dare continually forced into the recesses 126A-D and 138A-D of the outershells, removing any unnecessary space, or “slop,” providing anextremely secure connection between the top and bottom tubes.

[0049]FIG. 7 shows the hinge lock 150 and the actuator 140. In a lockedposition, the tooth pairs 152A-D fit into locking recesses 126A-D and138A-D formed on the inner surface of the hinge shell. Movement of thehinge latch 160 creates a rotation of the actuator 140. As the actuatortwists, the bosses 158A-D of the hinge lock 150 move inside the radialslots 142A-D of the actuator 140. The radial slots 142A-D are positionedin such a manner that this rotation moves the bosses 158A-D radiallyinward, retracting the tooth pairs 152A-D from the locking recesses126A-D and 138A-D of the hinge shell. Once the tooth pairs 152A-D areretracted, the hinge is free to move about its pivot axis 190, allowingthe frame assembly 700 to move and the stroller 10 to collapse.

[0050] The embodiment of the stroller 10 shown in FIG. 1 also includes aseat assembly 800. The seat assembly 800 pivots in a manner that allowsthe seat to strike the hinge latch 160 of the lockable hinge 100unlocking the hinge. Further embodiments of the stroller 10 include aseat latch assembly 200 to secure the seat assembly 800 in a fixedposition while the stroller 10 is in use. FIGS. 8-13 show variousembodiments and components of the seat assembly 800 and seat latchassembly 200.

[0051]FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the seat assembly 800. The seatassembly 800 includes a front U-tube 810, rear corners 820, a rear tube830, torsion springs 840, and seat and back surfaces (not shown), suchas fabric and/or corrugated board. The seat assembly 800 is pivotallyattached to the basket frame 770. The torsion springs 840 bias the seatassembly 800 in a downward position.

[0052] The rear corners 820 include a ramped engagement surface 822 anda seat stop 824. The ramped engagement surface 822 is used to engagewith the hinge latch 160 of the lockable hinge 100. The seat stop 824stops the downward rotation of the seat assembly 800 and rests on thebasket frame 770 while the stroller 10 is in use.

[0053] The seat latch assembly 200 selectively secures the seat frameassembly 800 relative to the frame assembly 700, and specifically to thebasket frame 770. In one embodiment a strap (not shown) is affixed tocomponents of the seat latch assembly 200. In use, the strap may bepulled with one hand to unlock the seat latch assembly 200 and raise therear of the seat assembly 800. Engagement surfaces 822 on the framecorners 820 come into contact with the hinge latches 160 unlocking thelockable hinges 100.

[0054] FIGS. 9-12 show detailed views of one embodiment of the seatlatch assembly 200. Turning specifically to FIG. 9, the seat latchassembly 200 includes a seat latch 210, a biasing spring 220, and aframe latch 230. The seat latch 210 is pivotally mounted on the seatframe U-tube 810. The biasing spring 220 biases the seat latch 210 to alocked position. In one embodiment, a strap (not shown) is attached tothe seat latch via an attachment post (not shown) located between thepost openings 212 of the seat latch 210. The frame latch 230 is fixedlyattached to the basket frame 770. When the seat latch assembly 200 is inan unlocked position the seat assembly 800 rotates about pivot axis 900.

[0055]FIG. 10 shows a detailed view of the frame latch 230 of the seatlatch assembly 200. The frame latch 230 includes an opening 232 forattaching the frame latch 230 to the basket frame 770, and a latchingtongue 234. In a locked position, the seat latch 210 engages with thelatching tongue 234 securing the seat frame assembly to the basket frame770.

[0056]FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of the seat latch 210. The seatlatch 210 further includes an opening 211 for pivotally mounting theseat latch 210 to the seat assembly U-tube 810, a locking recess 214, aramped surface 216, and a spring attachment opening 218. In a lockedposition, the locking recess 214 engages with the latching tongue 234 ofthe frame latch 230 preventing upward movement of the seat frameassembly 800.

[0057] One end of the torsion spring 220 is inserted into the springattachment opening 218. The other end of the torsion spring 220 isinserted into an opening in the U-tube 810 of the seat frame assembly800. The torsion spring 220 biases the seat latch 210 to a lockedposition.

[0058]FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of the seat latch assembly 200 in alocked position. In operation, the locking tongue 234 of the frame latch230 engages with the locking recess 214 of the seat latch preventingupward movement of the seat assembly 800.

[0059] When collapse of the stroller 10 is desired, the seat latch isrotated away from the latching tongue 234, the seat latch 210 clears thelatching tongue 234 allowing the seat latch 210 and rear end of the seatframe assembly 800 to rotate about the pivot access 900 away from thebasket frame 770.

[0060] When transferring the stroller 10 from a collapsed position to anopen position, the seat frame assembly 800 rotates downward toward alocked position. As the ramped surface 216 of the seat latch 210 comesin contact with the locking tongue 234 of the frame latch 230, the seatlatch is rotated to allow the locking recess 214 of the seat latch topass over the locking tongue 234 of the frame latch. Once the lockingrecess 214 is able to engage with the locking tongue 234, the torsionspring biases the seat latch to a locked position, locking the seatframe 800 in place.

[0061]FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the seat, and seatframe assembly 800 in accordance with the present invention. The seatframe assembly 800 of this embodiment includes a molded seat 850, a rearU-tube 860, and a molded seat back 870. The rear U-tube 860 mounts tothe underside of the molded seat 850 and extends across the rear of theseat and extending past the pivot axis of the seat assembly 800. Therear U-tube 860 provides support to the molded seat 850 and a strongpivot area.

[0062] The ramped surface 822 and seat stop 824 of the seat corner 820of the previous embodiment are incorporated in the molded seat 850 ofthe present embodiment. A seat latch assembly 200 attaches and works ina similar manner as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-12.

[0063]FIG. 14 shows the molded seat 850 in a tilted position. In thetilted position the engagement surface 822 engages with the hinge latch160. The upward motion of the seat 850 will unlock the lockable hinge100 allowing the stroller to collapse.

[0064] While the present invention has been illustrated in detail andwith reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof Thus,it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of these inventions as would be apparent to those skilled inthe art.

1. A collapsible stroller, comprising: a frame assembly; at least onelockable hinge interconnected with the stroller frame and capable of alocked and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the atleast one lockable hinge maintains the stroller frame assembly in afixed position, and in the unlocked position allows the frame assemblyto move between the fixed position and a collapsed position; a seatassembly pivotally connected to the frame assembly and capable ofengaging and unlocking the at least one lockable hinge.
 2. The strollerof claim 1, further comprising a seat latch assembly connected to theframe assembly and the seat assembly for selectively securing the seatassembly to the frame assembly.
 3. The stroller of claim 2, furthercomprising a seat strap connected to the seat latch assembly forallowing for the seat assembly to be pivoted for engagement with thelockable hinge.
 4. The stroller of claim 2, wherein the seat latchassembly further comprises: a frame latch mounted on the stroller frame;a seat latch pivotally mounted on the seat assembly for selectiveengagement with the frame latch; and a torsion spring interconnectedwith the seat latch and the seat frame assembly biasing the seat latchto an engaged position.
 5. The stroller of claim 1, wherein the at leastone lockable hinge further comprises: a multiple part outer shellcapable of pivotal movement about a rotation axis; a hinge lock disposedwithin the outer shell for locking the outer shell in a fixed position;an actuator disposed within the outer shell and interconnected with thehinge lock for moving the lock between a locked and unlocked position;and a hinge latch interconnected with the actuator for translatingmovement of the latch to the actuator.
 6. The stroller of claim 5,wherein the multiple part outer shell comprises a medial shell; a centershell; and a lateral shell.
 7. The stroller of claim 1, wherein the seatassembly further comprises: a pair of rear latch corners having latchengagement surfaces; a rear tube; and a front U-tube.
 8. The stroller ofclaim 1, wherein the seat assembly further comprises: a molded seathaving integrated latch engagement surfaces; and a rear U-tube.
 9. Thestroller of claim 1, further comprising a multi-part front wheelassembly including a swivel lock capable of selectively locking thefront wheel assembly in a selected position.
 10. The stroller of claim1, further comprising a multi-part rear wheel assembly including abraking assembly.
 11. The stroller of claim 1, further comprising asplit-board basket base having a split along the median of the basketboard.
 12. The stroller of claim 1, further comprising a kickstand thatextends from the frame when the stroller is collapsed allowing thecollapsed stroller to stand on end in a collapsed position.
 13. Acollapsible stroller, comprising: a stroller frame; at least onelockable hinge interconnected with the stroller frame, that remains in afixed position when locked and moves about a pivot axis when in anunlocked position, including: a multi-part outer shell, a hinge lockdisposed within the outer shell for selectively locking the outer shellin a fixed position, an actuator disposed within the outer shell andinterconnected with the hinge lock, wherein rotation of the actuatormoves the lock between locked and unlocked positions.
 14. Thecollapsible stroller of claim 13, further comprising a hinge latchinterconnected with the actuator for translating movement of the latchto the actuator.
 15. A lockable hinge capable of pivotal movement abouta pivot axis movement in an unlocked position, and remaining fixed whenin a locked position, comprising: a multi-part outer shell; a hinge lockdisposed within the outer shell for selectively locking the outer shellin a fixed position, an actuator disposed within the outer shell andinterconnected with the hinge lock, wherein rotation of the actuatormoves the hinge lock between locked and unlocked positions.
 16. Thelockable hinge of claim 15, further comprising a hinge latch located onthe outer shell and interconnected with the actuator for translatingmovement of the latch to the actuator.
 17. A method for collapsing astroller having a lockable hinge, a seat assembly pivotally mounted onthe stroller frame, and a pull strap attached to a seat latch assembly,comprising the steps of: pulling on the pull strap to unlock the seatlatch assembly; pivoting the seat assembly to a raised position with thepull strap; engaging the lockable hinge with the raised seat assembly;unlocking the lockable hinge with the raised seat assembly; and allowingthe stroller to fold to a collapsed position.
 18. The method of 17,further comprising the step of locking the stroller in the collapsedposition.
 19. The method of 17, further comprising the step of locking afront wheel assembly in a selected position.